Benton Washington Map

About Benton, Washington

Benton is a locality in Benton County, Washington, United States. With a population of 185,000, Benton is a major urban centre in Washington. The population density is 180.0 people per km². Benton is located at 46.3166°N, 119.5022°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 99320.

Benton rests in a broad valley, a place where the eastern edge of the Cascade wall begins to soften into rolling terrain that hints at the drier country beyond. It lies 6.8 miles west of West Richland, WA (from West Richland, WA: bearing 277°T), and is situated 3.8 miles north of Benton City. The land here is a study in subtle transitions, the soil a rich, dark loam that speaks of centuries of patient accumulation, and the air often carries the faint, sweet scent of distant orchards ripening under a wide, clear sky. Gentle slopes rise away from the valley floor, their contours softened by the long, low light that characterizes this part of Washington, painting the landscape in hues of ochre and muted gold as the day draws to a close. The nearby rivers, though perhaps not as boisterous as those closer to the mountains, still carve their patient paths, their waters reflecting the endless blue overhead, a constant murmur beneath the quiet hum of everyday life in Benton. The founding of Benton is a story etched not in grand pronouncements, but in the steady, persistent work of those who first saw potential in this fertile valley. Early settlers, drawn by the promise of land and the chance to build something lasting, arrived with little more than grit and a vision. They cleared the land, coaxed crops from the soil, and laid the foundations for the community that would grow around them, a testament to human endurance and the simple desire for a place to call home. The echoes of those early days can still be felt in the careful arrangement of older buildings downtown, their brickwork weathered but enduring, a quiet reminder of the generations who have shaped Benton’s character. Benton’s economy is deeply rooted in the agricultural bounty of its surroundings, with a particular focus on the cultivation of fruits and grains that thrive in this semi-arid climate. Orchards of apples and cherries dot the landscape, their blossoms a fleeting, fragrant promise each spring, while fields of wheat stretch towards the horizon, a golden sea under the summer sun. This agricultural strength has fostered a robust processing and distribution sector, creating stable employment and a steady flow of goods that reach markets far beyond Benton. Complementing this, the presence of a respected state university brings a younger energy to the town, its research into agricultural science and related fields further bolstering the local economy, and its graduates often finding their place within the very industries they studied. The infrastructure, while practical and efficient, retains a certain grounded quality, with well-maintained roads connecting Benton to its agricultural neighbors and the wider world, and a reliable power grid that sustains both industry and the quiet rhythm of residential neighborhoods. The cultural life of Benton is a blend of agricultural tradition and the intellectual currents stirred by its university. While there isn't a professional sports franchise to rally around, the college sports teams, particularly in football and basketball, command a loyal following, drawing crowds from across the county to games that feel more like community gatherings than mere athletic contests. The annual Harvest Festival is the undisputed highlight of the year, a vibrant celebration of the land's generosity, featuring agricultural exhibits, local crafts, and a palpable sense of shared pride. Beyond this, the town boasts a surprisingly active arts scene, with a community theater that stages ambitious productions and a small but dedicated gallery showcasing local artists. The nearby Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, a testament to an ancient, prehistoric past, offers a unique natural attraction, its fossilized trees standing silent witness to the deep history of this region, while the riverbanks provide a more immediate connection to nature, where the quiet flow of water offers a constant, soothing presence.

About This Benton Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Benton, Washington — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 46.316636, -119.502158. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Benton and Benton County.

Detailed location data for Benton includes the ZIP code (99320), telephone area code (509), county seat of Benton County (Prosser), and school district assignment. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Benton is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.